A new configuration method for accelerometers in rotating accelerometer-based gravity gradiometer

As a sensor for direct measurement of gravity gradient signals, accelerometer plays an important role in the rotating accelerometer-based gravity gradiometer. Therefore, the way to position the accelerometer has an important influence on the gravity gradient measurement. In this article, we have analysed the principle of gravity gradient measurement, and points out some defects in the configuration of traditional gravity gradients. Finally, we proposed a new way to position the accelerometers in gravity gradiometer, in which, the sensitive axis of the opposite accelerometers are in the same direction. And the results of simulation indicate that the measurement error of the new way to position the accelerometers is about 9.29%, while the traditional configuration is about 39.68%, then the the efficacy of the new configuration method could be proven.